Makati Medical Center

About Us

Makati Medical Center, the leading healthcare facility in the Philippines, is a 600-bed tertiary hospital that provides sophisticated medical and surgical facilities. We are committed to delivering total quality healthcare services that exceed your expectations.

Mission – Vision

Mission

To provide the highest quality healthcare experience for all stakeholders through –

Competent, compassionate, collegial and ethical medical professionals
Superior service delivery, enhanced by technological and digital innovations and supported by research
Sustained training/ educational programs and other capacity-building initiatives; ethical based and responsive to evolving health challenges and global standards
Community responsive, collaborative and socially empowering healthcare programs

Vision

We are among the nation’s most trusted, caring and internationally-recognized healthcare institutions – with top-notch service, expertise and technology.

History

The Department of Dermatology was founded by Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez, Sr., who became its first Chairman (1988-2000), together with the other pillars in Dermatology, Drs. Thelma V. Leelin, Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, and Filomena L. Montinola. Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr. later joined the Consultant staff after training in Dermatologic-Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery in the United States.

Below is the list of Department Chairs from the year 2000:

Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell (2001-2006)

Dr. Imelda Cabral-Villar (October 2006-2008)

Dr. Ma. Purita Paz-Lao (2008- March 2018)

Dr. Valerie Floro-Herbosa (April 2018-June 2021)

Dr. Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza (July 2021- June 2024)

Dr. Donna Marie Leelin-Sarrosa (July 2024 – present)

The Dermatology department initiated in 1988 its own 3-year Residency training program, which was promptly accredited by the Philippine Board of Dermatology. The program has just been re-accredited by the Philippine Dermatological Society last June 8, 2024, and will be valid until 2027. To maintain a high quality of training, it limits the number of Residents accepted into the program.

The Department continually updates itself by active participation of its Staff Consultants and Residents in Postgraduate courses, local and international conventions, Continuing Medical Education courses, and annual training workshops. Its library is equipped with the latest books, publications and online journals.

Research is a major part of its training program, producing excellent award-winning research papers. This is complemented by the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment including a light microscope, 5-header microscope, Fluorescence microscope, dermatoscope, VISIA skin analysis machine, mexameter and sebumeter. On July 2002, the Manuel C. Fernandez Phototherapy and Laser Center was established in honour of Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez, Sr. The Center, now renamed the Manuel C. Fernandez Dermatology and Phototherapy Center and Skin and Laser Hub, as separate Subspecialty Units.

Subspecialty training in Dermatology is another strong feature of the Department. This includes Dermatopathology, Hair, Immunodermatology, Dermatologic and Laser Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Mohs Microsurgery, Photodermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Contact Dermatitis, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Dermoscopy and Venereology.

Facilities/Services Available

OPD / CLINIC SETTING

Fungal KOH mount and reading
Patch test (for contact dermatitis)
Acne Surgery
Skin Punch/Shave/Excision biopsy
Excision of cutaneous benign/malignant tumors
Intralesional Triamcinolone injection
Cryosurgery
Electrodessication and Curettage (telangiectasia, skin tags, warts, actinic keratosis, etc.)
Nail surgery
Incision and Drainage
Tzanck’s smear
Extraction of milia and molluscum lesions
Surgical removal/ Excision of moles
Chemical Peels:
- Jessner’s
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Mandelic acid
- Pyruvic acid
- Salicylic acid
Fillers
Botulinum Toxin injection
Scar revision
Microdermabrasion
Sclerotherapy
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Punch grafts
Skin flaps and grafts
Hair transplant

Health Service Program – OPD setting

Phototherapy Center

Skin and Laser Hub

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

Department conferences, weekly
Annual Residents Research Forum
Post Graduate Courses/ workshops
Team Building
Continuing Medical Education presentation
Bioethics Grand rounds (in cooperation with Makati Medical Center)
Medical Missions

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Donna Marie Leelin-Sarrosa, MD, FPDSP
Chairman

Patricia Anne T. Tinio, MD, FPDS
Vice Chairman

Claudine Rae Lagman-Javier, MD, FPDS
Training Officer

Stephen Thomas F. Lacson, MD, FPDS
Assistant Training Officer

Administrative

Immediate Past Chairman: Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza, MD, MSc., FPDS, FDSP

Advisory Council:

Thelma de Villa-Leelin, MD
Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, MD
Filomena Legarda-Montinola, MD
Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr., MD
Imelda Cabral-Villar, MD
Ma. Purita Paz-Lao, MD
Esther C. Leynes, MD
Valerie F. Herbosa, MD

Executive Committee:

Donna Marie L. Sarrosa, MD
Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza, MD
Valerie F. Herbosa, MD
Ma. Victoria C. Dizon, MD
Lucia Lourdes Castro-Fores, MD
Patricia T. Tinio, MD
Claudine Rae Lagman-Javier, MD

Training Committee:

Patricia T. Tinio, MD
Mylah Joven-Ching, MD
Reagan Grey T. Reyes, MD
Julie Anne Patricia M. Songco, MD

Secretary: Marivic R. Cabillos, MD

Treasurer:

Ma. Margarita Isabel C. Tanchiong, MD
Sharon O. Lim, MD

Subspecialties

Environmental and Occupational Contact Dermatitis

The section is dedicated to assessing and treating patients with acute or chronic dermatitis that may be caused by the environment and occupational factors. Patients can undergo a special skin test to pinpoint allergens that cause the reaction.

Section Chief: Sarah Grace M. Tan- Desierto, MD

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy has significantly enhanced our ability to evaluate and diagnose dermatologic conditions, including skin, hair. and nails. It has increased our confidence in managing and treating patients and has proven invaluable in monitoring their responses to medications.

Section Chief: Guia R. Avecilla, MD

Dermatopathology

Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of both Dermatology and Pathology that offers relevant diagnosis, differential diagnosis and clinicopathologic correlation for a wide range of skin disorders. The Makati Medical Center Department of Dermatology features the Section of Dermatopathology, which was formed in 2006. The section members are all internationally trained dermatopathologists who are fellows of the Dermatopathology Society of the Philippines . They collaborate to provide quality health care through the proper interpretation of biopsied skin specimens. The sections offer the following world-class services: excellent processing, microscopic examination of histopathologic slides, accessibility to special stains and immunochemistry, as well as direct immunofluorescence studies of skin specimens. The biopsy reports issued provide the clinician guidance for further diagnostic pathways and aids in treatment decisions. The Dermatopathology Section is also committed in educating residents, and furthering their knowledge of Dermatopathology to better understand clinicopathologic correlation of both inflammatory condition and skin tumors.

Section Chief: Maria Jasmin J. Jamora, MD

Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, MD, FPDS, FDSP-PDS
Filomena Legarda-Montinola, MD, FPDS, FDSP-PDS
Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza, MD, FPDS, FDSP-PDS
Ma. Patricia Astorga-Chavez, MD, FPDS, FDSP-PDS
Maria Isabel Beatriz Puno – Gomez, MD, FPDS, FDSP-PDS

Hair

The Hair Division at the Department of Dermatology in Makati Medical Center is a specialized unit dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of hair and scalp disorders. Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, the unit offers expert care for conditions such as hair shedding, hair thinning, hair loss, infections, etc.

Immunodermatology

The section of Immunodermatology aims to provide the residents with a solid foundation and understanding of skin diseases from an immunological perspective. The monthly meetings cover basic immunological principles, progressively describes the human skin as an integral part of the immune system, and includes the latest in treatment modalities for immunologic skin diseases.

Section Chief: Katrina M. Canlas-Estrella, MD

Micrographic Surgery & Cutaneous Oncology

The Section consists of internationally trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeons specializing in Skin Cancer Surgery and Management. This type of treatment offers the highest cure rate and lowest recurrence rates for skin cancers and provides a faster recovery time for the patient. Mohs micrographic surgery offers a sensible approach to achieving better cosmetic results for skin cancers located on the face, head, and neck.

Section Chief: Krisinda Clare C. Dim-Jamora, MD
Section Co-chief: Julie Anne Patricia M. Songco, MD

Pediatric Dermatology

Pediatric Dermatology is a specialized approach by the Pediatric Dermatologists that addresses the conditions and unique needs of children and adolescents. that are focused in treating children of all ages, from newborns and infants, to teenagers with skin, hair and nail ailments. Common conditions include eczema, skin infections, allergies and other issues unique to children like birthmarks and rashes different from adults are problems that a physician recognizes or are referred to the specialist.

Section Chief: Ma. Victoria C. Dizon, MD

Procedural DermatologY

Procedural dermatology is a field of dermatology with special interest in invasive conventional dermatologic surgical procedures as well as minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures for both cosmetic and pathologic purposes. These procedures include excisional surgery, biopsies, acne surgery, electrosurgery, cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, injectables like Botox and fillers, threads and other device based procedures.

Section Chief: Stephen F. Lacson, MD

Research

The Research Division of the Department of Dermatology at Makati Medical Center exemplifies excellence in dermatological research.

Renowned for their participation and accolades in local and international research contests, they actively contribute to global dermatology through publications and conferences. Their achievements include garnering multiple international research scholarships, presenting in the American Academy of Dermatology and World Congress of dermatology, consistently placing in the Philippine Dermatological Society and Makati Medical Center’s research contest, solidifying their leadership in advancing dermatological knowledge and patient care.

Section Chief: Mylah Joven-Ching, MD
Section Co-chief: Corazon Almira T. Mella, MD

VenereologY

The Section of Venereology of the Department of Dermatology in Makati Medical Center is one of the youngest sections of the Department.

Established in 2020, the section aims to create awareness and provide comprehensive education on sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS — primarily prompt diagnosis, evidence based treatment and preventive measures, to effectively close the gap that hinders the promotion of sexual health.

With our board-certified dermatovenereologists, the section strives to encourage young dermatologists to be at the forefront in diagnosing and providing holistic management of challenging outpatient and inpatient STI/HIV cases.

Section Chief: Sarah Grace M. Tan-Desierto, MD
Section Co-chief: Reagan T. Reyes, MD

Out-Patient Centers:

Phototherapy Center

The Dermatology and Phototherapy Center (Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez Sr. Center) is a specialized medical facility that uses controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to treat various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma. The treatments help to reduce inflammation and slow down the excessive skin cell production associated with these conditions. The center is equipped with advanced UV technology and is typically staffed by trained dermatologists and medical professionals.

Department Head: Patricia Anne T. Tinio, MD
Assistant Department Head: Angelie Eloise Torres-Paulino, MD

Skin and Laser Hub

The Skin and Laser Hub at the MakatiMed Wellness Center carries a myriad of top-of-the-line non-invasive lasers, radio frequency, focused and non focused ultrasound equipment, and Light-emitting diode for the following indications: total rejuvenation (fine lines, dilated pores, pigmentation, sagging skin), acne scars, stretch marks, cellulite, vascular proliferations and malformations, tattoo removal, nail fungal infections, hair reduction, facial body contouring and lifting, and premium facial procedures.

The newest service that the Center offers is Skin, Hair, and Nail imaging for total body mole mapping, skin cancer screening, and for diagnosis of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.

Department Head: Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza, MD
Assistant Department Head: Ma. Margarita Isabel Carlos-Tanchiong, MD and Dr. Sharon O. Lim

Events:

Bioethics

Chair: Celia Theresa L. Layson, MD
Co-Chair: Rahina H. Galvez, MD

CME

Chair: Lucia Lourdes Castro-Fores, MD
Co-Chair: Sharon O. Lim, MD

Community Dermatology

Chair: Ma. Lourdes Aragon-De Veyra, MD
Co-Chair: Ma. Teresa E. Dimagiba, MD; Ma. Patricia Astorga-Chavez, MD; Rahina H. Galvez, MD

External Affairs

Chair: Margarita Isabel Carlos-Tanchiong, MD
Co-Chair: Mary Angela T. Calleja, MD; Dulce Vivian F. Galang, MD; Maria Isabel Puno-Gomez, MD

HSP Derm-OPD

Chair: Julie Anne Patricia M. Songco, MD
Co-Chair: Rahina H. Galvez, MD

JCI / Total Quality Service

Chair: Marivic R. Cabillos, MD
Co-Chair: Corazon Almira T. Mella, MD

PDS Accreditation

Chair: Sherwin A. Llego, MD

Medical Records Review

Section Chief: Corina Mae Tiu-Dy, MD
Co-Chief: Michelle L. Astorga-Llanto, MD

Post-Graduate Course

Section Chief: Patricia Anne T. Tinio, MD
Co-Chief: Angeli Eloise Torres-Paulino, MD

Residency Training Application

Section Chief: Lucia Lourdes O. Castro-Fores, MD
Co-Chief: Katrina Canlas-Estrella, MD

List of MMC Consultants

Montinola, Filomena L.
Verallo-Rowell, Vermen M.
Cabral-Villar, Imelda
Leynes, Esther C.
Floreza, Elsie Reynosa P.
Lao, Ma. Purita Paz
Floro-Herbosa, Valerie
Leelin-Sarrosa, Donna Marie
Dizon, Ma. Victoria C.
Aragon-De Veyra, Ma. Lourdes
Astorga-Chavez, Ma. Patricia
Avecilla, Guia R.
Castro-Fores, Lucia Lourdes O.
Lim, Carmela Ana V.
Carpo, Beatriz G.
Dim-Jamora, Krisinda Clare
Dimagiba, Ma. Teresa E.
Dimayuga, Jose Giovanni E.
Flores-Genuino, Rowena
Hautea-Pagdanganan, Shiela
Henares-Esguerra, Elvira L.
Jamora, Jasmin J.
Javier, Claudine Rae L.
Lacson, Stephen Thomas F.
Maceda-Lazaro, Giselle Mary S.
Luciano-Amon, Mary Anne
Tinio, Patricia Anne T.
Llego, Sherwin A.
Layson, Celia Theresa L.
Joven-Ching, Mylah A.
Tiu-Dy, Corina Mae
Canlas-Estrella, Katrina M.
Calleja, Mary Angela T.
Martires, Leah Kristine L.
Salud, Carmencita E.
Tin, Patricia V.
Cabillos, Marivic R.
Lim, Sharon O.
Tan-Desierto, Sarah Grace M.
Tanchiong Ma. Margarita Isabel C.
Galang, Ma. Dulce Amor Vivan F.
Puno-Gomez, Marla Isabel Beatriz
Songco, Julie Anne Patricia M.
Reyes, Reagan Grey T.
Torres-Paulino, Angeli Eloise E.
Mella, Corazon Almira T.
Astorga-Llanto, Michelle L.
Galvez, Rahina H.

MMC 2024 RESIDENTS

Third Year Residents

Left to right:

Martin Moises E. Estrella, MD
Ma. Isabela P. Ong, MD (Chief Resident)

Second Year Residents

Left to Right:

Charina Bianca B. Cortez, MD
Clare Cates R. Tablizo, MD

First Year Residents